Bar association is a body of
lawyers who, in some jurisdictions, are responsible for the regulation of the legal profession. Membership in such associations is synonymous to being admitted to the bar or being licensed to practice law in that state or being admitted to practice before the courts of that state. In some places membership in such associations is voluntary and in addition to any licensing that may be required by the state or the court system. Such associations often advocate for
law reform[?], they may discipline the profession and they may provide information, referral or
pro bono services to the general public. In
Canada the name of these bodies are the provincial
law societies, except for
Quebec where they are called the
Barreau du Quebec.